Concrete, Vinyl, and Fiberglass: Which Pool Type is the Best?

Imagine a hot summer day and you would never want anything but a trip to the countryside beach or have a dip in the pool. The pool option saves you time and makes you satisfy your inner Pisces with the convenience of splashing your way through a bad day at the comforts of your own abode.

If you have been thinking of having your own pool, ask yourself first these questions:

Is it a priority? If no, maybe you can settle with other alternatives like hot tub spa.

How much would it cost upfront and long-term? In other words, make sure that you have the budget for it.

Which pool type is the best? Of course, you have to decide which pool type suits your lifestyle.

With these questions in mind, what really is the ideal type of pool when it comes to quality? Let’s see the pros and cons of the concrete pool vs vinyl liner pool vs fiberglass pool.

Concrete Pool

It will save you a lot of bucks as it is deemed durable. Its attractive and elegant look matches the beauty of interior finish. The number of available features is countless since the shape and size is duly customizable.

Cons

Though the aesthetic features of the concrete pool make it quite convincing. It requires subsequent maintenance in the long run. Its installation speed takes more time and the smoothness of the finish is a bit of a no-go.

Low lifetime cost of ownership can possibly be out of hand as energy efficiency is a lack and the initial cost is high. In short, this needs a lot of help as it needs to be constantly cleaned to do away with algae.

Maintenance frequency includes acid washes every 3–5 years and resurfacing and replacing the waterline tiles every 8–12 years.

Price range: $50,000–$100,000 upfront

Vinyl Liner Pool

Pros:

The vinyl liner pool lies in between the concrete pool and the fiberglass pool in almost all aspects. However, this pool type remains the cheapest and is quite competitive in the smoothness of the finish too.

It has midrange maintenance cost at about $11,500 over 10 years.

Cons

Even if it lies average compared to the two other pools types, the vinyl liner is the least durable among the three.

Maintenance frequency includes weekly water chemistry and brushing and liner replacement every 5-9 years.

Price range: $35,000–$65,000 upfront.

Fiberglass Pool

Pros:

The fiberglass pool outshines the concrete pool and the vinyl liner pool in most aspects as this type caters majority of the good qualities in a pool. Its gel coat is less porous, thus not affecting the water chemistry.

It’s swim-ready on the second day and less messy upon installation as it is pre-manufactured. It won’t crack since it’s naturally flexible and stays in place.

In matters of other aspects, there are countless ways to customize the gel coat color, patio, water features, accessories, waterline tile, and more.

It has the lowest maintenance cost of $3, 760 in over 10 years.

Cons

There are only two things you need to consider with the fiberglass pool. It is the most expensive, and the size and shape customization is limited as it depends on the preexisting molds.

Conclusion

Now you have read a simplified comparison with the concrete pool vs vinyl liner pool vs fiberglass pool. With these ideas to consider in getting yourself that coveted pool, try to strike a balance between your personality and what you can maintain for an affordable price over the next few years.